CLOTHED

Jesus ate the fish and honey, and while the disciples’ mouths fell open in wonder, Jesus opened their understanding. Jesus was the Messiah of the ages. Their mission was clear. Tell the whole world. However, after three years, the disciples were informed but not equipped. Jesus said, “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." Luk 24:49.

They were to wait not until they felt ready, but until they were “endued with power.” That word “endued” means to be clothed. Covered. Wrapped in something not your own. It’s the same word used when Paul says we’ve “put on Christ.”  There’s a difference between being saved and being empowered, between being forgiven and being filled. You can be clothed in righteousness and still walk through life without power. That’s why Jesus didn’t just give His disciples a message—He gave them a mantle.

In Bible times, men wore both inner and outer garments. Our righteousness in Christ is like our inner garment.  But being clothed with His power is our outer garment. It’s the boldness to speak, the authority to heal, the courage to confront darkness. It’s what Jesus wore when He walked into villages and demons trembled. And it’s what He offers us. We don’t need the outer garment to sit in church. But we do need it to touch the world and to bring heaven to earth.

Friends, the Holy Spirit is not a bonus, an option or an upgrade. He is the Spirit of Christ living through us. Don’t leave home “without” Him, because the world won’t be changed by our private beliefs, but by our boldness.